Rain, Moisture, and the Inevitable Termite Infestation
We’ve had some amazing rain here in the valley over the past few days. We need it. We love it. But, so do termites.
Termites LIVE for this kind of weather.
Termites LOVE this kind of weather.
Termites become active and excited when the weather turns to rain and moister in the soil.
Subterranean termites need moisture to survive. Couple that with a food source which contacts moist areas or the soil, and there are ideal conditions for infestation.
Right now, today, the day after a downpour, your home is at the greatest risk for termite infestation.
“Probably the most common danger zone for termites is earth/wood contact. Some people call this moisture to wall contact. This condition is where non-pressure treated wood material is in direct contact with the soil. When this condition is present, there is adequate moisture, adequate food, and adequate protection for the termites. This is a condition conducive to termite infestation.”
Excessive moisture after rain that tends to pool around the base of your home is prime for termites and a termite infestation.
You need to know the signs of a termite infestation:
Symptom of Termite: Discarded Wings
What To Look For:Wings all of the same size (look like tiny fish scales) shredded near an entry point to your home.
Swarmers are usually winged and as a part of their behaviour, they usually discard their wings in places like windowsills, doors or in cobwebs.
Symptom of Termite: Mud Tubes
What To Look For: Mud tubes are usually built by Subterranean termites, which are the most destructive species. As they move out from their colony in search of food, they build mud tubes to provide moisture. These mud tubes are often found near the foundation of the home, so those places should also be checked regularly.
Symptom of Termite: Wood Damage
What To Look For: Termites often eat wood from the inside out thereby making the wood soft. The damage may not be visible on the outside. The wood’s surface might still appear smooth even if termites are causing damage from inside. So if the wood sounds hollow when tapped, it may be because termites are eating the wood from the inside.
Symptom of Termite: Cracked Paint
What To Look For: Swarming drywood termites can enter through very tiny openings. Always try to cover up cracks in the home’s foundation, near roof siding, vents and windows. If your paint is cracking, it means there is moisture build up in it which could be as a result of either water damage or termite problems.
Symptom of Termite: Frass
What To Look For: As Drywood termites infest wood, they leave behind wood-colored droppings called frass. You can prevent this by keeping gutters and crawl spaces free of debris and cellulose materials so that termites don’t use them as sources of food.
Symptom of Termite: Noise
What To Look For: Some species of termites, like the soldier termites, usually make loud noises while eating or while trying to sound alarm to warn others of impending danger. The soldier termites make a banging noise with their heads on the wood to serve as an alarm to alert others. So if you tap on a piece of wood where you suspect termites, and you hear a loud banging sound, then there is termite infestation in your home.
